Coach Tommy Thompson and the Boys of Sequoyah

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Native American Studies, History, Americas, Native American, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Coach Tommy Thompson and the Boys of Sequoyah by Patti Dickinson, University of Oklahoma Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Patti Dickinson ISBN: 9780806151632
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press Publication: January 28, 2015
Imprint: University of Oklahoma Press Language: English
Author: Patti Dickinson
ISBN: 9780806151632
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
Publication: January 28, 2015
Imprint: University of Oklahoma Press
Language: English

When eleven-year-old Tommy Thompson arrived at a government-run Indian boarding school in 1915, it seemed a last resort for the youngster. Instead, it turned out to be the first step toward a life dedicated to helping others. Thompson went on to become a star athlete and football coach—a Cherokee legend whose story is remembered by many and is now finally told for a wider audience.

Following gridiron fame at Northeastern State College, Thompson returned to Sequoyah Vocational School in 1947 as Boys’ Coach and Advisor. More than a thousand boys attended the boarding school during the eleven years he coached there. Writing for readers old and young, Patti Dickinson tells the inspiring story of how this one man made a difference in the lives of a generation of Indian youth.

Through football, Thompson taught his boys the skills and values they would need to succeed in life, and twice led his team to the state finals. Dickinson describes the success of that program, including one epic, rain-soaked championship game. She paints compelling portraits of Thompson’s boys—the men whose firsthand stories and reminiscences form the basis of the narrative—and re-creates daily life at the school.

To his boys, Thompson was Ah-sky-uh, “the man,” a Cherokee term of respect. Half a century after his death, Sequoyah High School still reveres his memory. This book secures his place in history as it opens a new window on the boarding school experience.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When eleven-year-old Tommy Thompson arrived at a government-run Indian boarding school in 1915, it seemed a last resort for the youngster. Instead, it turned out to be the first step toward a life dedicated to helping others. Thompson went on to become a star athlete and football coach—a Cherokee legend whose story is remembered by many and is now finally told for a wider audience.

Following gridiron fame at Northeastern State College, Thompson returned to Sequoyah Vocational School in 1947 as Boys’ Coach and Advisor. More than a thousand boys attended the boarding school during the eleven years he coached there. Writing for readers old and young, Patti Dickinson tells the inspiring story of how this one man made a difference in the lives of a generation of Indian youth.

Through football, Thompson taught his boys the skills and values they would need to succeed in life, and twice led his team to the state finals. Dickinson describes the success of that program, including one epic, rain-soaked championship game. She paints compelling portraits of Thompson’s boys—the men whose firsthand stories and reminiscences form the basis of the narrative—and re-creates daily life at the school.

To his boys, Thompson was Ah-sky-uh, “the man,” a Cherokee term of respect. Half a century after his death, Sequoyah High School still reveres his memory. This book secures his place in history as it opens a new window on the boarding school experience.

More books from University of Oklahoma Press

Cover of the book Jedediah Smith: No Ordinary Mountain Man by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Mexico and the Spanish Conquest by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book The Powhatan Indians of Virginia by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Charles Goodnight by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Plowman's Folly by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Kearny's Dragoons Out West by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Animal Stories by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Lands of Promise and Despair by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Nine Days in May by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Jersey Gold by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book The Black Regulars, 1866–1898 by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Epics of Empire and Frontier by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book We Know Who We Are by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book Over the Santa Fe Trail to Mexico by Patti Dickinson
Cover of the book The River Was Dyed with Blood by Patti Dickinson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy